Since the popularization of LCD displays, a number of technologies have been introduced in their production that affect the performance of the screen. But the choice of one or another type still depends on the tasks that are set for a particular device.
TVs
When choosing a TV with an LCD screen, it is worth studying in detail the characteristics of IPS and VA matrices. Compliance of the functionality with your requirements will be the determining factor in your decision.
Viewing angle
The wide viewing angle means that even when looking at the screen from an angle (side or top/bottom), the image quality does not change. The characteristic is of particular importance when watching TV in a large company, when everyone simply cannot sit right in front of the screen.
The clarity of the IPS-matrix image is maintained at an angle of over 50 °, which is impressive. Whereas the image on the VA panel is limited to a side view of 20°.
Color rendering
When it comes to color reproduction, most IPS TVs are equipped with a 10-bit matrix. For cinephiles, such a color scheme is a more than remarkable factor.
From time to time, VA manufacturers also declare a 10-bit version, but this option is rare. Most offers are limited to 8 bits — also pretty good, but the competitive advantage is still on the side of IPS.
Screen illumination
The high contrast ratio of the VA matrix prevents image distortion. The ratio varies from 3000:1 to 6000:1, which is close to that of the LED panel.
If, in the dark, you look sideways at an IPS display that displays a picture in black, then light spots (glow effect) will be noticeable at the corners of the screen.
Update rate
The image refresh rate is decisive for first-class image quality. The higher it is, the more sensitive the display. For gamers, this value is decisive, because a fraction of a second in the game is significant.
IPS displays are ahead in this indicator, because their matrix refresh rate can reach 360 Hz (the image is converted 360 times per second). No delays and slow moving objects.
The VA screen is limited to 240Hz. But even this figure is considered very high — most people stop noticing the difference after 120 Hz.
The IPS display uses a liquid crystal parallel alignment technique. Such a television screen will be indispensable in the following situations:
- In spacious rooms — the image is equally well visible from any point of the room.
- In brightly lit roomsas the panel outperforms VA in terms of color rendering quality, and ambient lighting does not affect the color gamut display.
- To run video games — at a high refresh rate of the matrix.
- For home movie lovers. A balanced picture looks realistic, although the glow effect will be more noticeable in a dark room.
The VA matrix operates on the principle of vertical crystal alignment. A TV with a VA screen is suitable for:
- To watch TV — A detailed combination of uniform black and bright white makes the rest of the shades realistic, regardless of the brightness. But here you need to take into account the possible loss of image clarity when the viewer is located at an angle.
- lovers night TV shows without artificial lighting.
- Buyers with limited budget.
computer monitors
IPS
The unsurpassed color reproduction of IPS-matrix monitors has a positive effect on the brightness of a 10-bit display. The number of bits affects the coloring: the larger their value, the richer and clearer the palette.
For this reason, an IPS monitor is chosen by users who are professionally involved in:
- photo editing;
- video editing;
- designer graphics.
Features of the matrix guarantee the result as close as possible to the desired one. IPS monitors are ideal for creative professionals. But their characteristics may remain unclaimed by people who are undemanding to the correctness of color reproduction.
Gamers who want to enjoy a game with a realistic picture and visual effects also choose IPS panels. For team players, these monitors are the best choice, as they are famous for their high refresh rates. The response time of the IPS screen starts from 3-5 milliseconds and rises to 8-10. Matrices VA are not able to surpass this indicator.
VA
VA monitors are known for their balance of price and performance, as well as high contrast ratios (ranging from 2000:1 to 4500:1). In comparison, the maximum IPS limit is 1500:1.
Increasing this ratio affects image clarity and black saturation. In the rest of the palette, VA screens demonstrate a satisfactory color gamut.
For working with text, browsing web pages, the shades of the color palette are not important. With a moderate monitor size, viewing angles do not matter either. The main aspect when working with text is comfort for the eyes. The saturation of the IPS display negatively affects the well-being of the organs of vision. At the same time, a comfortable decrease in the brightness of the VA screen does not lead to a deterioration in image quality.
The VA display is also suitable for games — provided that the gamer does not participate in serious esports competitions and tournaments with a large number of participants. But in most cases, such a screen is better suited for:
- web browsing;
- films;
- work in Word and Excel and other office applications.
Simply put, a VA matrix is the optimal and affordable choice for the average user.